Bridgerton on Netflix : Season One 101
London 1813: The Season begins, the Ton returns to town, a new scandal sheet begins to make the rounds, and Daphne Bridgerton makes her debut. But no one can predict what this year has in store…
Episode One: Diamond of the First Water
Daphne is presented to Queen Charlotte, who deems her flawless and cements her as the season’s Incomparable. Simon, the rakish Duke of Hastings returns to Town and is guilt-tripped into attending a ball by his godmother, Lady Danbury. A new scandal sheet, written by the mysterious Lady Whistledown, takes the Ton by a storm. Features beautiful houses, beautiful gowns, questionable bangs, the first of the Featherington fashions, and a mysterious distant cousin from the country with a shocking secret.
Episode Two: Shock and Delight
Multiple flashbacks to Simon’s childhood show his traumatic birth, the abuse meted out by his father, the physical disability that he has worked to hide, and how Lady Danbury saves him. Daphne and Simon’s charade is an instant success, making the pages of Whistledown and infuriating Anthony who accepts Lord Berbrooke’s proposal on Daphne’s behalf. Penelope and Marina become closer. Violet comes up with an idea to save Daphne from marriage to Berbrooke and implements it with great success. Features discussions on reproduction, secret smoking buddies, an ugly threat, and a suggestive buttoning of a glove.
Episode Three: Art of the Swoon
Both Daphne and Marina are finding husband-hunting exhausting, but for very different reasons. The Ladies Danbury and Bridgerton feel very smug about the continued courting of Daphne by Simon. Anthony’s mistress, the opera singer, gives him an excellent dressing-down (and not the fun kind). The handsome Prince Friedrich arrives in London to visit his aunt, Queen Charlotte, and hunt for his princess. Siena, Marina, and Daphne all end the episode heart-broken. Features an important personal lesson, a fuck-you dress, fake correspondence, and an art lesson.
Episode Four: An Affair of Honour
Daphne does her best to move on from Simon and imagine a future with Prince Friedrich. Simon seeks distraction by coaching his friend in boxing (and boxing a little himself). However, nothing works and Daphne and Simon share their first kiss in the gardens of a ball, where Anthony finds them and demands that Simon marry Daphne. Simon refuses and they agree to duel. Daphne discovers that she and Simon were seen by Cressida Crowley and rushes to interrupt the duel and beg Simon to marry her. He agrees but reveals that he can never have children. Features a very charming discussion about cheese, an encounter under the bleachers, the beginning of an investigation, and one hell of a piece of jewellery.
Episode Five: The Duke and I
Daphne and Simon are engaged and Prince Friedrich really is the nicest man. The Queen, not so much, and she gets in the way of their special license, making the couple appear before her to plead their case. Colin begins his courtship of Marina in earnest, and Marina is relieved even as Penelope begs her not to trap Colin like this. Daphne and Simon wed and head off to Clyvedon, Simon’s ancestral home, but stop at an inn on the way. Feelings are revealed and a wedding night is very much had. Featuring a very pretty speech, a royal mandate, an incredibly unhelpful discussion about reproductive health, and a number of fire metaphors.
Episode Six: Swish
Content Warning for a scene featuring dubious consent and reproductive coercion.
Daphne and Simon arrive at Clyvedon and proceed to ignore all of their duties to have lots and lots and lots of sex. Many scenes of a pained Simon withdrawing ensue. Colin announces his engagement to Marina, and they plan to flee to Gretna Green to escape the censure of his family. Daphne begins to understand reproductive science and conducts an experiment that leaves Simon coming inside her for the first time and confirming that he can have children, he has just chosen not to. Marina’s condition is revealed in Whistledown, leaving Colin heartbroken. Featuring a Taylor Swift sex montage, Machiavellian behaviour by three different women, disappointed pig farmers, and separate bedrooms.
Episode Seven: Oceans Apart
The Featheringtons are in disgrace over their role in Marina’s deceit and attempt to trap Colin. Daphne decides to return to London to support her brother and Simon agrees to accompany her to hold up appearances. Although their relationship is one of simmering tension, they nonetheless continue to act on their attraction. Daphne attempts to convince Simon that children would be a blessing while she waits to discover if she is pregnant. Marina attempts to force a miscarriage. Daphne’s period arrives. Featuring an ultimatum, a dishonourable deal, understanding, and one hell of a ladies’ night.
Episode Eight: After the Rain
Simon and Daphne discuss their impending separation as they are thrown together for a portrait and to plan the annual Hastings ball. Marina gets some devastating news and a second chance. Eloise gets closer to the identity of Lady Whistledown. Daphne finally begins to understand Simon’s childhood and how that may be affecting his decision to end the Hastings line. Their ball is a success and as the rain breaks over them, so too does a break in their tension. Simon has a change of heart and gives every woman the gift of true love: his jizz. Featuring an expected epilogue, strong forgiveness vibes, the death of a patriarch, and the reveal of Lady Whistledown.